Benni McCarthy debuted as Kenya’s coach in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Gambia in World Cup qualifying. After a missed penalty in the first half, both teams exchanged leads until Kenya equalized in added time. Gabon leads Group F while Sierra Leone and Mozambique register significant wins in their respective groups, indicating a competitive qualification process.
Benni McCarthy, the former Manchester United assistant coach and South African football star, made his debut as the head coach of Kenya, resulting in an exhilarating 3-3 draw against Gambia during the World Cup qualifying match. The first half concluded without score after Musa Barrow missed a penalty for Gambia, but the second half brought excitement when Kenya’s William Wilson equalized in added time after Gambia had taken a two-goal lead. Barrow redeemed himself by scoring twice despite Kenya’s efforts that included goals from Michael Olunga and substitute Mohammed Bajaber.
Prior to the match, McCarthy expressed his belief that Kenya, often considered underachievers, could indeed make a surprising qualifying run for the World Cup. The current standings show Gabon leading Group F with 12 points, followed closely by Ivory Coast with 10 points, while Kenya has six, Gambia four, and Seychelles has yet to score. Kenya will face Gabon in their upcoming match scheduled for Sunday.
In another intriguing match, Benin ascended to first place in Group C after a thrilling 2-2 draw with Zimbabwe, after initially leading by two goals. Veteran Steve Mounie and Dokou Dodo secured the early advantage for Benin before Zimbabwe’s Knowledge Musona equalized as the clock approached the hour. The group remains competitive, with Rwanda and South Africa each holding seven points.
Sierra Leone experienced success as new coach Mohamed Kallon led the team to a 3-1 victory against Guinea-Bissau, moving up to second place in Group A. Mustapha Bundu scored the opening goal, followed by contributions from his teammates. Meanwhile, Portuguese midfielder Pedro Santos scored twice in Mozambique’s 3-1 win over Uganda, propelling his team to the lead in Group G with 12 points. The Ugandan goalkeeper’s mistake significantly contributed to Mozambique’s success.
In summary, Benni McCarthy’s inaugural match as Kenya’s coach ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Gambia, showcasing the potential for the team to perform well in qualifiers. Other notable results included Benin’s draw against Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone’s victory over Guinea-Bissau, and Mozambique’s rise in Group G. As the qualifying rounds progress, the competition remains intense, highlighting the unpredictability of African football.
Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com
